[The epidemiological and clinical features of 208 patients with trichinosis]

In order to know the epidemiological and clinical features of trichinosis, the data of 208 patients with trichinosis from 1992 to 1994 were analysed. The results showed that these patients came from 11 districts, and acquired the infection mainly by tasting the raw pork filling for dumplings or ingesting instant-boiled pork or mutton. The incidence of trichinosis is high in winter. Young and middle-aged workers and cadres constituted the majority of the patients and the infection was more common in the males than in females. The main clinical manifestations of trichinosis were prolonged fever, general myalgia, muscle weekness and eosinophilia. Most of the patients had no gastrointestinal symptoms and skin eruption. Eyelid edema was only seen in the early stage. Serological tests were significant value in the diagnosis of trichinosis. The key measures to prevent trichinosis were that meat inspection should be strictly carried out and bad eating habit changed.